Turn up music for youth: Labor vows to build $1.5m creative hub in Belmore

By Mick Roberts

1 May 2019 - The Torch

LABOR has promised to invest $1.5 million towards the construction of a music hub and community space as part of the Belmore Master Plan.

Shadow Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, was joined by State MP for Canterbury, Sophie Cotsis, and Mayor of Canterbury-Bankstown Council Khal Asfour to announce the commitment which would help revitalising the area as a place for young people and the community.

The music hub would accommodatr students and musicians, giving them a place to learn, practice and collaborate. The funding includes providing teachers and mentors through the SongMakers program as well as facilities such as a soundproof room, instruments, amps, cords and editing equipment.

"The commitment we have announced is aimed at boosting music in our community. Labor supports every aspect of Australian music. We want Australian music to be heard, Australian artists to stay in the industry, and the next generation, including people in our local area, to be inspired," Mr Burke said.

"We believe in what our songwriters, musicians, performers and music industry do. We think it matters. Our Australian soundtrack matters. Let's turn up the volume."

Ms Cotsis and Cr Asfour said local musicians would welcome the announcement.

"This is a fantastic initiative. Music is so vitally important in people's lives. I'm excited that Belmore will become the centre for music excellence," Ms Cotsis said.

Mayor Asfour said this promised investment, by a future Labor Government, represents the first step in realising the community's vision for the Belmore Sporting Precinct, which is outlined in the Belmore Sports Ground Masterplan.

"This music hub will provide an opportunity to have a space where they can press their creative talents and become the musicians of the future," he said.